Young boys in Baghdad mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson | Daily Mail Online

Warning::  if you choose to read the complete article, some of the photos attached are quite graphic.  The Ashura ritual as depicted shows the absurdity of blind devotion.  Case in point, this child,,,

Shocking images show young Muslim boys beating themselves with sharp blades as part of the holy Day of Ashura.

Every year, Muslims all over the world take part in these bloody self-flagellation ceremonies to mark the tenth day of the Islamic calendar and to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Husayn, at the Battle of Karbala.

Sunni Muslims celebrate it the date - which they refer to as the Day of Atonement - as the day Israelites were freed from the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Young boys in Baghdad mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson | Daily Mail Online

Mumbai boy has a gash cut into his head as part of Shi'ite Muslim Ashura ceremony | Daily Mail Online

WARNING::GRAPHIC

This picture shows the moment a small boy has a gash cut in his head as part of a Shi'ite Muslim Ashura ritual.

The tradition, which commemorates the death of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, is seen by some Shi'ite Muslims as away of washing away their sins.

The Day of Ashura is a national holiday in some Muslim countries, with thousands taking part in annual rituals which include people whipping and cutting themselves with chains and knives.

Mumbai boy has a gash cut into his head as part of Shi'ite Muslim Ashura ceremony | Daily Mail Online